Evaluation of Laxative Activity of Vaishvanara Churna: An Ayurvedic Formulation

Vaishvanara churna is an Ayurvedic formulation traditionally used as laxative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and arthritic agent. Since there was no scientific proof of this formulation as laxative, we aimed to screen the laxative activity of Vaishvanara churna in rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups, 6 animals each. First group acted as control, second group as standard (Senna, 30 mg/kg) and third and fourth groups received aqueous extract of Vaishvanara churna at doses 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Compared with the control group, aqueous extract of Vaishvanara churna at 100 mg/kg did not lead to a statistically significant increase in 8th-h fecal output; however, 16th-h output was significantly increased (p